Structure-- The growth form of montane chaparral species can vary from treelike (up
to 3 meters) to prostrate. When mature, it is often impenetrable to large mammals. Its
structure is affected by site quality, history of disturbance (e.g., fire, erosion, logging) and
the influence of browsing animals. For example, on shallow granitic soils in the Sierra
Nevada, low dense growths of pinemat manzanita and huckleberry oak characterize an
edaphic climax community, associated with scattered conifers and much exposed granite.
Following fire in the mixed conifer forest habitat type, whitethorn ceanothus-dominated
chaparral may persist as a subclimax community for many years. Montane chaparral is
characterized by evergreen species; however, deciduous or partially deciduous species
may also be present. Understory vegetation in the mature chaparral is largely absent.
Conifer and oak trees may occur in sparse stands or as scattered individuals within the
chaparral type.

Composition-- Montane chaparral varies markedly throughout California. Species
composition changes with elevational and geographical range, soil type, and aspect. One
or more of the following species usually characterize montane chaparral communities:
whitethorn ceanothus, snowbrush ceanothus, greenleaf manzanita, pinemat manzanita,
hoary manzanita, bitter cherry, huckleberry oak, sierra chinquapin, juneberry, fremont
silktassel, Greene goldenweed, mountain mahogany, toyon, sumac and California
buckthorn. As one or more of these species become dominant under various
environmental regimes, further subclassification of the montane chaparral series is
possible (Krebs 1972, McNaughton 1968).

Vegetation Changes-- 1;2-4:S-D. Montane chaparral in California occurs in
gradations between two characteristic successional sequences: The first sequence is
associated with poorer, typically shallow soils (in early stages of development), often
overlying fractured bedrock. Here, chaparral species may predominate to form an edaphic
climax community.

In the second sequence, chaparral is a secondary succession following disturbance on
deeper forest soils. After disturbance (logging, fire, erosion) chaparral proliferates and
may exclude conifers and other vegetation for many years. However, chaparral may
facilitate the germination of red fir seedlings (Barbour 1984) and other shade tolerant
conifers by providing a protective cover, moderating microclimate, and improving soil
conditions. Chaparral shrubs may be an essential link in forest succession by building up
soil nutrient levels, especially nitrogen, to the point where trees can survive (Zavitovski
and Newton 1968). In mature timber stands, chaparral species may senesce due to
insufficient light through the canopy and are only present as a sparse understory. Thus,
silvicultural practices have a strong influence on the structure of montane chaparral.
Most montane chaparral species are fire adapted. Mature plants sprout back from the
root crown. Some species require scarification of the seed for germination and may
produce numerous seedlings after a fire (Gratkowski 1961). However, if fires are too
frequent, these species may be eliminated (Biswell 1969) changing the subsequent
structure of the community. Deer and livestock foraging on sprouting chaparral may also
have a significant effect on its rate of development, structure, and ultimate species
composition (Biswell and Gilman 1961, Davis 1967). The forage yields of most sprouting
shrubs are reduced for the first few years after a fire, but rapidly regain their original
status. Burned areas commonly produce new shrub growth high in protein and are a
preferred food source for herbivores (Einarsen 1946, Swank 1956).

Duration of Stages-- Following fire, herbaceous plants may dominate for up to 5
years. Usually within 7 to 9 years the brush overstory is fully developed (Sweeney 1956,
Sampson 1944). Chaparral may persist for up to 50 years or longer before conifer
development begins to significantly reduce the shrub growth through shading (Lyon
1969, Sweeney 1968). Where chaparral types occur as an edaphic climax (i.e., on poor,
rocky soils, fractured bedrock or lava caps), growth rates may be rather slow, growth
form is usually small and stunted, and individuals may be quite old. Development of
montane chaparral at high elevations is often slowed by cold temperatures, snow cover
and a short growing season (Barbour and Major 1977). However, at lower elevations,
burned or logged areas may sprout new growth by the next growing season.

Biological Setting

Habitat-- Montane chaparral adjoins a variety of other wildlife habitats, including
montane riparian (MRI), mixed chaparral (MCH), and perennial grassland (PGS). It
becomes established in disturbed coniferous habits such as ponderosa pine (PPN), mixed
conifer (SMC), Jeffrey pine (JPN), red fir (RFR) and lodgepole pine (LPN). At high
elevations in the southern Sierra, it may occur with a sparse juniper overstory. At the
lower extent of its elevational range, montane chaparral may intergrade with mixed
chaparral, a very similar habitat type.

Wildlife Considerations-- Montane chaparral provides habitat for a wide variety of
wildlife. Numerous rodents inhabit chaparral (Wirtz 1974). Deer and other herbivores
often make extensive use of chaparral. Throughout the west slope of the Sierra and south
through the Transverse Range, deer are strongly associated with chaparral communities.
Montane chaparral provides critical summer range foraging areas, escape cover and
fawning habitat. In the Sierra, fawning areas are frequently found where the chaparral lies
adjacent to or contains an interspersion of perennial grass or meadow-riparian habitat
(Ashcraft 1975, Dasmann, 1971, Ashcraft 1976, Pacific Gas and Electric 1981). Some
small herbivores use chaparral species in fall and winter when grasses are not in
abundance. Rabbits and hares eat twigs, evergreen leaves and bark from chaparral.
Shrubs are important to many mammals as shade during hot weather, and moderate
temperature and wind velocity in the winter (Loveless 1967). Many birds find a variety
of habitat needs in the montane chaparral. It provides seeds, fruits, insects, protection
from predators and climate, as well as singing, roosting and nesting sites (Verner and
Boss 1980), Storer and Usinger 1970).

Physical Setting

Montane chaparral can be found on shallow to deep soils, on all exposures, and from
gentle to relatively steep slopes. It may dominate on more xeric sites, but occurs locally
throughout the coniferous forest zone. Generally, climate is like that associated with the
coniferous forest zone, cold winter temperatures with substantial precipitation. Summers
are typically hot and dry (Barbour and Major 1977). In the northern portion of the state,
montane chaparral is found between 914 to 2743 m (3000-9000 ft). In southern California
this type occurs above 2134 m (7000 ft).

Distribution

Montane chaparral is associated with mountainous terrain from mid to high elevation
at 914 to 3047 m (3000-10,000 ft). It occurs in southern California above 2134 m (7000
ft) in the Transverse Range of Los Angeles, and in San Bernardino, Riverside and San
Diego counties; from Siskiyou to Kern counties in the Cascade and Sierra Nevada
mountains; as a minor type from Tehama to Lake counties; and in Del Norte, Siskiyou,
Trinity, and Shasta counties in the North Coast Ranges and Klamath mountains (Barbour
and Major 1977). As a successional stage following disturbance, its distribution coincides
with the ponderosa pine and mixed coniferous forest habitat types (Barbour and Major
1977).